The Trois-Rivières Police Department organized a series of free self-defense workshops as part of the 12 days of action against violence against women. These workshops aim to help women aged 14 and over escape violent situations.
The workshops are offered in collaboration with different martial arts schools in Trois-Rivières.
The show’s columnist End PM Perrine Bullant took part in these workshops. She noted that the techniques shown are not for the purpose of fighting, but rather to free oneself in the event of a violent situation.
Police officer Hangie Jacques, who participated in the workshops as a trainer, and who is herself a martial arts fan, explains that there is a theoretical and practical component to the training.
Hangie Jacques affirms that these trainings are necessary and useful for the women who receive them.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Perrine Bullant
We focus a lot on prevention, what signs to spot, what solutions to favor. […] In terms of practice, these are techniques that are simple to release, which do not require physical strength either.
she explains.
Ms. Jacques reiterates that these workshops are open to women of all ages.
I even have a 74-year-old participant who came to my workshops. She was able to implement everything that was shown so it’s very accessible
she said.
Training that strengthens women
Hangie Jacques affirms that she receives testimonies from women who, according to her, justify the holding of these workshops.
I think that victims, what they need is not just to be made aware, but to have practical things that they can implement if they are ever in danger, so all that put together, I think it’s something that was a little lacking in terms of service offering
she adds.
Marilie Cormier Gaudet had the opportunity to experience the training that her organization recommends for women victims of criminal acts.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Perrine Bullant
Among the women who followed the training, there was the general director of the Center for Victims of Crime in Centre-du-Québec, Marilie Cormier Gaudet, she came to see in the field the effectiveness of this training often recommended by her organization to women victims of violence.
I feel more equipped, I would dare to use the word, stronger, I feel stronger. I think I am someone for whom physical strength is not one of my main qualities, but I feel that I can use tools that allow me to be strong
she said.
The Seikidôkan Judo Club of Trois-Rivières, seeing the popularity of this type of training, made the decision to organize self-defense workshops in December outside of the 12 days of action against violence against women.
